BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 17
By Elnur Baghishov –Trend:
The gasoline consumption in Iran has reached 68-70 million liters per day after partial lifting restrictions related to coronavirus, Head of Council of Gas Station Owners Nasser Raisifar told IRNA, Trend reports.
Raisifar said that following the softening of the restrictions, gasoline consumption increased by about 80 percent compared to the period of the coronavirus spread.
The official added that the coronavirus-related health protocols are followed at all gas stations in Iran.
Raisifar stressed that one of the ways to fight the coronavirus in Iran is to combine fuel cards with bank cards.
According to the official, if fuel cards are combined with bank cards, compliance with health protocols at gas stations will increase, refueling time will be reduced and physical contact will be reduced.
In mid-November 2019, the country consumed 95-96 million liters of gasoline per day. Following the price increase, consumption decreased by 20 million liters to 75 million liters. On February 19, with the outbreak of the coronavirus in Iran, a number of restrictions were imposed, including restrictions on intercity travel, catering and other activities. On April 4, 2020, gasoline consumption decreased to 44.3 million liters per day.
In addition, on Nov. 15, 2019, the price of gasoline sold on quota increased from 10,000 rials (23 cents) to 15,000 rials (35 cents) and the price of gasoline sold free from the quota increased to 30,000 rials (71 cents) in Iran.
Iran continues to monitor the coronavirus situation in the country. According to recent reports from the Iranian officials, over 192,400 people have been infected 9,065 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 152,600 have reportedly recovered from the disease.
The country applies strict measures to contain the further spread. Reportedly, the disease was brought to Iran by a businessman from Iran's Qom city, who went on a business trip to China, despite official warnings. The man died later from the disease.
The Islamic Republic only announced its first infections and deaths from the coronavirus on Feb. 19.